13.2.15

Taipei : Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall「中正紀念堂」

A short walk from the shopping district and you arrive to this huge and overwhelming park called the Memorial Hall Square. Surrounded by four of the most impressive structures in Taipei - excluding 101, you feel seriously insignificant when walking amid the National Theater「國家戲劇院」, National Concert Hall「國家音樂廳」, Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall「中正紀念堂」and the Gate of the Great Piety「大孝門」.

These are relatively new (from the 70s) but loaded with symbolism and beauty. For instance, the Memorial Hall structure is white with four sides but has a blue octogonal roof. This symbolzies 8, which is associated in Asia with good luck. Then, you find 89 stairs, same age as the president Chiang when he died. This square is very much linked to Taiwan's democracy, as it was the scene for demonstrations in the 80s & 90s which would lead the country into a new era.

National Theater is built to mimic the raditional Chinese architecture.

The Hall and the Gate are equally impressive and matching color scheme.

National Concert Hall is the twin of the National Theater, placed right in front. These two draw an orthogonal line to the one created between the gate and the hall.

It's really impressive, the closer you come, the more insignificant it makes you feel.